Bijan Bakery -- San Jose, CA

I changed my mind. They suck.

Davenport Hotel--Spokane, Wa

Beautiful hotel; horrible hot chocolate. I think the more I drink, the more critical I become. But this is justified! MACHINE!! I was appalled! From such a nice hotel....what a shame. $$$

Nordstom Bistro -- Spokane, Wa (and any other Nordstom)

After a long, strenuous day of shopping (I found a really nice pair of jeans at Ann Taylor!), we wanted a little refreshment, and what better way to satiate my need than a simple hot chocolate?! So, I got a hot chocolate. The color looked about right. And at least it was made with milk. And I know that for a fact because it tasted simply like hot milk.

Bellano Coffee -- San Jose, CA (again)

This time I ventured on a limb to try the acclaimed "frrrozen hot chocolate" which I have heard much about and even read about in a hot chocolate book. It was a hot day, and usually that doesn't deter me, however this day was different, I mean, it was right after finals and my brain was totally fried. Anyhow, I got a large for $4+ which is a bit much for a drink. Essentially all it was, was some sort of synthetic chocolate slushie. Don't get me wrong, it tasted good but I fail to see how it is in any way, shape, or form, it could be called or even associated with "hot chocolate."

Jake's Cafe -- Tri Cities, WA

Okay, so I've tasted a lot of hot chocolate. That's a given. Often when people discover this about me, the first question is, "Where can I get the best cup of hot chocolate?" But it is not everyday that someone asks, "Where can I get the worst cup of hot chocolate?" Unfortunately, I cannot answer the first question but only the second. On my eternal quest to find the best cup or ho cho, I somehow stumbled upon the worst, at this erm....quaint...cafe. We'd been driving for 20 hours for the past two days, and at the end of the day, all I ask for is a decent cup of hot chocolate. But no. Jake's cafe says no, you can't have that. Because we are mean, ignorant somethings that isnt appropriate. First, a water based concoction. Like, gag me with a spoon! But you know what, I'm pretty used to that by now, so not so bad, right? And naturally, it came out of one of those dreadful machines. And I would assume from the fact that it basically tasted like water that they had set the machine on the lowest percentage of syrup which is pointless anyhow as it costs nothing to make because there isn't even chocolate in it. But, this isn't even the point! When the woman pulled out the COOL WHIP, I knew she had succinctly murdered any very tiny, itsy, bitsy potential for the drink to be palatable much less edible. My good brother once informed me that cool whip is nothing more that wax, flavorings, and condom lubricant. So the thought of putting condom lube on the 'divine drink' as Montezuma puts it, made a small part of my soul die, and I'm afraid it's never coming back. The worst part is, these people probably don't even know what they've done! Gosh, what do I have to do to get something so seemingly simple. Perhaps I should launch some sort of hot chocolate awareness project....If you glean nothing else from my ramblings, please remember one thing--Say NO to cool whip. And as Fisico would put it, cool whip is a "mortal sin."

Clinkerdagger -- Spokane, WA

Le sigh.
---ridiculously overpriced

Great Bear Coffee -- Los Gatos, CA

What a pleasant surprise! With the lodge like atmosphere of the cafe, I suppose the exquisite hot chocolate is fitting. Nice and foamy on top, but not too foamy. A dollop of authentic home made whipped cream dumped on top (my favorite way to have whipped cream). nice and hot. Pretty good amount of chocolate. I like it. I like it a lot. The small is an 8oz as opposed to usual 12oz, however this did not really bother me considering the good quality. $1.95 for a small. Probably wouldnt want much bigger--very filling.

Bellano Coffee -- San Jose, CA

First of all, it was a plus that this place uses free trade coffee. Second, not only did they have one choice of hot chocolate, but 5. YES, 5! They even had 'Frozen Hot Chocolate,' which I have yet to try. I tried the swiss milk hot chocolate . Amazing. It probably could have used a tad more chocolate, but the quality was excellent. It was served in a nice big mug--16oz, even though I only ordered a 12oz. So make sure you order 'for here.' Perfect whipped cream, with a bit of cinamon sprinkled on top. Excellent!
--moderately priced

Hume Lake, CA --Hume N'Beans

Wow! Yum!!! After having free machine hot cocoa all week in the dining hall, the freshly made hot chocolate seemed like a gift from heaven, not to mention it was a cold night. Highly recommended.
--$2.50 for a large.

Holiday Inn Express -- Bend, OR

And all Holiday Inn Expresses for that matter --

This is more of....a warning than a review:

STAY AWAY

Boudin Sourdough Bakery (Valley Fair) --San Jose, CA

Banana hot chocolate. Grooooovy.

Reflections

Looking back on these entries from my journal, I feel I must clarify on how I prefer my hot chocolate. Simply, from bars.

I have to agree with Michel Cluizel, French Chocolate Maker when he says, "Hot chocolate must always be made from bars or chocolate, never from powder. Then it really becomes a noble product."

I have upwards of 30 entries to post, so it may take me a little while.

Coeur d'Alene Resort - Coeur d'Alene, ID

Very typical "American," in the sense of big, lots of whipped cream, sprinkles etc. Very cute. What I would consider a "Real" cup of hot chocolate (as in not a packet, but made with milk). Very good.

Sawtooth Grill -- Spokane, WA

Throughly disappointing. For being one of the best restaurants in the area, and the serve packets! The horror. A mug of water and 2 packets of powdered hot cocoa, nonetheless. . Despicable. I was disappointed. Not even an attempt to conceal the heinous act. Positively shameless people.

Left Bank -- San Jose, CA

Perfect consistency, perfect amount of chocolate, chocolate was quality (European I presume?). Came in a small soup bowl with wafers. Almost perfect all around! Possibly my favorite hot chocolate yet.

Bijan Bakery -- San Jose, CA

Made fresh. Not enough chocolate. Nice mugs. Make sure you get "for here" (bigger). Whole milk. Yum. Very filling. Even I, the hot chocolate goddess, was not able to finish it. --moderately priced

Starbucks

On a personal level, I can't stand Starbucks. (the commercialism and everything) But aside from this, the hot chocolate varies. Usually tastes like warm milk. I recommend you ask for 2 or 3 extra shots of chocolate. Then it tastes superb. I love the vanilla shots they add. Yum! Great potential! --moderately priced

Welcome!

Welcome to my oh-so humble blog. I hang out with my uncles a lot and they noticed my passion for hot chocolate and jokingly suggested I keep a journal of it. Well, I did. I started it about a year ago, and this blog is me transcribing and adding to it. It sort of becomes my diary at times as well. Anyhow, I'd love to go out with you for a cup of ho-cho sometime!